AN academic helping enterprising students start their own businesses had a royal appointment.
Dr Kelly Smith, head of enterprise at Huddersfield University, was among 300 leaders from universities and colleges across the UK to attend the launch the Student Ambassador Programme for Start-Up Loans.
The event was hosted at Buckingham Palace by the Duke of York, who is heavily involved in initiatives to promote UK entrepreneurship. Prof Bob Cryan, vice-chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, was also among the speakers.
Prince Andrew also met the first student ambassadors who will represent Start-Up Loans at their universities, encourage other students considering starting a business and direct young entrepreneurs to apply for the loans, which give budding entrepreneurs access to business support and mentoring.
Start-Up Loans aim to provide affordable loans and business training to young people who live in England and are seeking finance to start a business.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister David Cameron announced an expansion to the scheme taking the size of the Government-backed loan fund to £112m and allowing people up to the age of 30 to apply.
As well as promoting enterprise among students at Huddersfield, Dr Smith leads Yorkshire’s Graduate Entrepreneurship Project, which brings together the region’s higher education institutions to promote and support entrepreneurship among students and graduates.
Dr Smith said: “Start Up Loans in the region of £2,500 offer an important source of initial investment for many for young entrepreneurs.
“The new loans will further enhance the extensive support available to Yorkshire’s student and graduate entrepreneurs through the Graduate Entrepreneurship Project.”
Dragon’s Den panellist and entrepreneur James Caan, who chairs the Start-up Loans Company overseeing the scheme, said: “Student entrepreneurship is a vibrant community. Through Start-Up Loans, we can help foster the amazing innovation that is evident in universities across the country.”
The student ambassadors have been chosen from students who are already considering starting a business, who are confident in public speaking with excellent communication skills, a strong academic record and the ability to prioritise their role and studies.
